Hard Core Stream Report(just the facts)
January 6, 2016
Location Lower Kinni Canyon
Time Frame 12 PM to dusk
Wind 2-5 MPH
Sky Overcast, light snow
Water temp 34-37 degrees
Air temp 29 degrees
Snow cover 6 inches
Water clarity Crystal clear
Patterns used Prince nymph, orange scud, zebra midge, larva girl, Ju-Ju stone
Hatches Both grey midges and small winter stones on the snow banks.
Fish activity Trout were mostly active subsurface in 4 ft+ slower water off the main flows. A few fish were caught in medium speed rif’f’s. Some sparse rising trout
Technique indicator rig, 2 flies, weighted to get to stream bed. Bentley’s Balls
Result Very Good Day
Fluffier Stream Report
By noon we were on the trail for the first trout outing of 2016. The 20 minute hike into the lower Kinni showed a panorama of black and white beauty. The stark detail that one misses when foliage obscures the view is vividly apparent in January. In winter, each tree becomes an individual in both shape and character. Rocky outcroppings and majestic white pines stand out in contrasting yellows and greens and are visible at great distance. The eye is constantly searching, and catches any movement. Normally familiar surroundings are transformed into unfamiliar by season alone. The same trail provides a completely new adventure. Stunning! The slight wind at the tailgate disappeared as we shuffled down the snow covered deer trail into the protection of the canyon. Small snowflakes landed sparsely on the fleece of our jackets. The temperature hovered around 30 degrees and 3 layers of clothing was perfect to keep the cold out. The river was crystal clear and sang the only song our ears could hear. By 12:30, and another 10 minute walk along the river, we arrived at our destination. Set on one of the biggest “S” curves in the river, two adjoining deep pools would provide some awesome fishing for the next 4 hours. Long drifts, long indicator lengths and patience paid off. A wide variety of imitations bounced along the bottom of the river provided intermittent catching. Soft takes were the rule. Resting the pools by enjoy some Bailey’s and hot coffee every hour proved productive and pleasing to the palette. Fish from 4 to 14″ were brought to hand. Two doubles were achieved. Two anglers realized their good fortune in resource, and time taken to search for sanity. In the snow, there were only tracks of wild animals. In the water, only the tail wags of wild trout.
11 users commented in " First On The 6th- A Stream Report "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackThanks for the invite….
I didn’t know you were back from herding reindeer in Finland. How long will you be on American soil?
Bsherck said,
in January 7th, 2016 at 6:58 pm
Thanks for the invite….
now that’s funny
He is a comedian isn’t he?
“Normally familiar surroundings are transformed into unfamiliar by season alone. The same trail provides a completely new adventure.” – Nice! One of the perks of fishing adventures, eh? A very good day indeed.
Andy,
Thanks for the encouraging report.
JL
Always welcome. Looks like a warm up is coming.
Did I write that??????:) 🙂 :). Seems way too deep for this hack.
Thanks Lisa
Thanks for the report. Is the trail passable without snow shoes?
Pat
All good. Did not need snow shoes, although you could have worn them. Probably about 8″ or so in the valley.
Andy and members of the Goat Herd. I lost a Scientific Anglers two sided fly box with rubber gaskets on the River Road section of the Upper Kinni today (2-7-16) It was filled with nymph patterns. If found please give me a call at 612-300-8970. Thanks!
BTW, before the melt really got going, the fishing was good in the morning. Pheasant Tails and zebra midges were working well.
Greg
Leave A Reply